Storage unit

ABSTRACT

The subject invention is a storage member having multiple storage access areas for storage of open bin-like containers which containers can be removed from the stored position in the access areas for cleaning, refilling, or other purposes. In the general structural scheme of the invention the access areas on the storage member have integrated therein support runners that engage the respective upper lateral sides of the bin to hold the bin in position, with the runners being angled downwardly towards the front of the storage access area to hold the individual storage bin in a downwardly declined position as it extends outwardly to facilitate handling of the bins and removal of the contents of the storage bin.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In the existing art, there are various structures used to hold individual storage bins in position for access to the bins for filling, cleaning, or otherwise. The storage bins of this type are commonly used for many purposes, including kindergarten and grade school usage for storage of children's educational and play items. These storage members are thus used for holding items that are needed to play or education purposes.

One of the problems with existing storage members is that they are not equipped to be positioned for easy access to the individual storage units and ease in the process of emptying the containers. The problem with existing storage units of this type is that they are not structured to readily reach the contents in the rear of the storage bin and when the individual storage bins are aligned straight and level in the space in storage member they do not lead to easy removal of the contents. This is particularly a cumbersome arrangement when the storage member contains loose or particular members that need to be channeled toward the front of the container for ready access.

Yet another problem with existing such storage containers is that they usually must be removed entirely from the space in which they are held if the portions in the back of the container are to be removed.

In view of this foregoing, the following are objects herein.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object on the subject invention to provide an improved storage member;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved storage member for kindergarten usage;

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved storage unit wherein the individual members are self feeding, so that the contents thereof can be easily removed;

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improved apparatus to store individual containers in a downwardly inclined position to facilitate removal of the containers contents;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved storage container for accommodating individual storage containers that are angled downwardly towards the front;

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a storage apparatus for individually removable containers;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an efficient storage structure;

Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken in conjection with the claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the subject invention in section;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the subject invention, in an exploded view, showing the various components thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the subject invention;

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the subject invention;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view, in section, of the tray holding mechanism used in conjunction with the subject invention;

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view, in section, of a tray assembly, in the horizontal position to the subject invention;

FIG. 7A is a top elevational view of the subject invention; FIG. 7B is an upper elevational view, in section, of the subject invention;

FIG. 7C is a bottom elevational view of the subject invention.

DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL EMBODIMENT

The subject invention is a storage member having multiple access area for storage of open bin-like containers which containers can be removed from the stored position for filing, cleaning, or other purposes. In the general structural scheme of the invention, the storage member has integrated therein for each of the individual storage bins spatial areas portions support runners in the form of tracks that engage the respective upper lateral sides of the bin to hold the bin in position, with the runners being angled downwardly towards the front of the storage area to hold the individual storage bin in a downwardly declined position to facilitate handling of the bins and removal of the contents of the bin.

In general and summary, the subject invention can be described as a multipart upright base member in which is formed recessed spatial areas to receive individually formed storage containers, referred to and formed as open storage bins. However, it is stressed and noted that the subject invention is not limited to a structure for holding open storage bins and can be formed or adapted to hold closed storage members of any shape, configuration, or open or closed. Thus, while the following description of a preferred embodiment is primarily directed to a storage apparatus for open containers in a predetermined position, it should not be considered as limiting the scope of the subject invention as stated herein.

One of the key features of the invention herein, although not particularly a limitation feature, is the use of holding track members or runners affixed to the two sides bounding the storage spatial areas wherein such track members are preferable but not essentially angled downwardly in a mating parallel manner as they extend forwardly to the frontal position of the spatial area when exposed towards the outside areas. By this positioning of the holding tracks the storage bins are held in a downwardly declined position as they extend outwardly towards the outer perimeter of the upright base member. With this upright structure, the storage bins are angled downwardly towards the outside perimeter of the base members so that the contents of the open storage bins or containers will be inclined to move downwardly towards the front of the container and be more readily accessible to individuals, such as youngsters or adults to retrieve contents in the container, even in some situations when the container is still positioned inside the spatial areas in the upright base member. Alternately, the storage containers can be removed as the need dictates, such as to remove the contents or refill the containers. In further summary, the subject invention is a compact storage center for storage use by pre-school and kindergarten, first and second grade children, and other age groups. The Unit has storage trays both of angular and rectangular design or other shapes and further provides for the rectangular trays to be used in a horizontal position, or mounted at an angular position for gravity self feeding. This latter feature is achieved by using vertical stress panels with appropriate guide members molded outwardly and angled downwardly as they extend outwardly and then placed to provide the proper relationship with respect to each other to provide the necessary load bearing surface for each of the storage bin units. When placed securely in the proper grooves in each of the sectors in the base member. Stress panels are installed between the bottom base of the base member and lid gives the rigidity and strength to retain the unit in it operating structure. The lid can be provided with hand holds to move the unit about on the swivel casters or otherwise. In summary, the subject invention is a compact storage center for pre-school and kindergarten, first and second grade children, and other groups. The unit has storage trays both of angular and rectangular design and further provides for the rectangular trays to be used in a horizontal position, or mounted at an angular position for gravity self-feeding position. This latter feature is achieved by using vertical stress panels with appropriate glide members molded outwardly and angled downwardly as they extended outwardly and then in place provide the proper relationship with respect to each other to provide the necessary load bearing surface for each of the storage units. When placed securely in the proper grooves in each of the four quadrants or the number of sections and between the base member and the lid member, or in a like manner when the WAFER is used to increase the size and utility of the storage unit. The eight stress panels when installed between the base and lid gives the rigidity and strength to retain the unit in its operating structure. The lid is provided with hand holds to move the unit about on the swivel casters.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In describing the preferred embodiment of the subject invention it is to be indicated that a description of one preferred embodiment shall not limit the scope of the subject invention as set forth in the claims hereto.

The subject invention is a storage member having multiple access area for storage of open bin-like containers which containers can be removed from the stored position for filing, cleaning, or other purposes in the general, structural scheme of the invention, the storage member has integrated therein for each of the individual storage bins spatial areas portions support runners in the form of tracks that engage the respective upper lateral sides of the bin to hold the bin in position, with the runners being angled downwardly towards the front of the storage area to, hold the individual storage bin in a downwardly declined position to facilitate handling of the bins and removal of the contents of the bin.

In general and summary, the subject invention can be described as a multipart upright base member in which is formed recessed spatial areas to receive individually formed storage containers, referred to and formed as open storage bins. However, it is stressed and noted that the subject invention is not limited to a structure for holding open storage bins and can be formed or adapted to hold closed storage members of any shape; configuration, or open or closed. Thus, while the following description of a preferred embodiment is primarily directed to a storage apparatus for open containers in a predetermined position, it should not be considered as limiting the scope of the subject invention as stated herein.

One of the key features of the invention herein, although not particularly a limitation feature, is the use of holding track members or runners affixed to the two sides bounding the storage spatial areas wherein such track members are preferable but not essentially angled downwardly in a mating parallel manner as they extend forwardly to the frontal position of the spatial area when exposed towards the outside areas. By this positioning of the holding tracks the storage bins are held in a downwardly declined position as they extend outwardly towards the outer perimeter of the upright base member. With this upright structure, the storage bins are angled downwardly towards the outside perimeter of the base members so that the contents of the open storage bins or containers will be inclined to move downwardly towards the front of the container and be more readily accessible to individuals; such as youngsters or adults to retrieve contents in the container, even in some situations when the container is still positioned inside the spatial areas in the upright base member. Alternately, the storage containers can be removed as the need dictates, such as to remove the contents or refill the containers. In further summary, the object invention is a compact storage center for storage use by prey school and kindergarten, first and second grade children, and other age groups. The Unit has storage trays both of angular and rectangular design or other shapes and further provides for the rectangular trays to be used in a horizontal position, or mounted at an angular position for gravity self feeding. This latter feature is achieved by using vertical stress panels with appropriate guide members molded outwardly and angled downwardly as they extend outwardly and then placed to provide the proper relationship with respect to each other to provide the necessary load bearing surface for each of the storage bin units. When placed securely in the proper grooves in each of the sectors in the base member. Stress panels are installed between the bottom base of the base member and lid gives the rigidity and strength to retain the unit in it operating structure. The lid can be provided with hand holds to move the unit about on the swivel casters or otherwise. In summary, the subject invention is a compact storage center for pre-school and kindergarten, first and second grade children, and other groups. The unit has storage trays both of angular and rectangular design and further provides for the rectangular trays to be used in a horizontal position, or mounted at an angular position for gravity self-feeding position. This latter feature is achieved by using vertical stress panels with appropriate glide members molded outwardly and angled downwardly as they extended outwardly and then in place provide the proper relationship with respect to each other to provide the necessary load bearing surface for each of the storage units. When placed securely in the proper grooves in each of the four quadrants or the number of sections and between the base member and the lid member, or in a like manner when the WAFER is used to increase the size and utility of the storage unit. The eight stress panels when installed between the base and lid gives the rigidity and strength to retain the unit in its operating structure. The lid is provided with hand holds to move the unit about on the swivel casters.

Referring to the drawings, the subject invention includes an upright base member 10, which can be free standing and be moved about or it can be affixed to part of a wall or other fixture, that is, it can be formed as an integral member to a building structure, such as an internal wall or otherwise. Further, the subject invention as structured in base member 10 has one or more recessed spatial areas 100A, 100B, 100C . . . 100H that extend inwardly from the outer perimeter surface 30 of the base member into the inner portion of the base member. These internal spatial areas 100A, 100B, 100C . . . 100H are preferably but not critical, formed by exposing parallel walls 200A, 210A, 200B, 210B, and 200C, 210C that thusly form the side limits of the spatial area 100A, 100B, 100C . . . and can be seen. In some cases, a rear wall may form the inner limits of the spatial area 100A, 100B, 100C . . . although the spatial area may be triangular or wedge-shaped. The outer portion of each spatial area 100A, 100B. 100C . . . as extending to the outer perimeter of the base member generally opens to the outside of the base member so that storage bins, as described below can be inserted into such are from the outside. Disposed on such side wall 200A, 200B, 200C . . . , 210A, 210B, 210C are parallel runner tracks 300A, 310A, 300B, 310B, and 300C, 310C . . . to hold a storage bin in a movable position so that a storage container 400A, 400B, 400C can be inserted into such spatial areas and made to move back and forth in the storage area. The more specific arrangement of these aspects will be provided below.

As can be seen in the drawings, the base member 10 will be adapted to sit upright as a free-standing structure having no shape limitations so long as it includes features as discussed below. Base member 10 need not be formulated, or structured.

In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the base member 10 has one or more vertical support sub-walls 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D, 500E, 500F, 500G, 500H that area adapted to be interlocked on the interior portions. The vertical support walls are adapted when so positioned to the form the internal spatial areas as described above. As seen, the base vertical support walls are disposed upright and rest on a base 550 that can be movable on rollers 575A and 575B while the upper portions of the vertical walls are braced under a top, flat, cap member 590.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the open storage bins 410A, 410B, 410C, are formed with a downwardly-turned upper perimeter edges on each lateral side. These downwardly-turned edges are thus adapted to be inserted over the top surfaces of The parallel down turned ledges can be moved slidebly back and forth over such runners. The ends of each is turned upwardly at the outer ends to block the back end of the storage bin from being moved off the tracks.

As seen in the drawings in one specific embodiment of the subject invention the runners 300 A, 310B . . . are positioned at a downwardly turned angle, with an upturned outer end as seen in FIGS. 1, 5, are 6A.

By this down-ward angle, runner member on which the outer lateral edges of the storage bin is seated upon, the storage bin will be angled downwardly so that the contents on the tray will tend to move forwards into the front part of the storage unit in a self feeding manner so that the contents of the tray will be readily available in the front of the storage bin 400A.

Moreover, as seen in FIG. 1, the respective storage areas can vary between being triangular, angular, in spatial disposition, such as storage area 100A, while storage area 100B has a rectangular shape, these respective storage areas can all be of the same shape, as the disposition may vary in the construction process. When rectangular shapes are formed for a given storage area a conformably shaped rectangular or parallelepiped shape of the containers would be feasible and on an angular shape space otherwise would be appropriate for angular shaped to containers. The shape for the space areas may vary, however.

Furthermore, the turned down edges of storage tray members 400A . . . enable one to lift the tray up above the side runners 300A, 310A so that the tray can be cleaned or refilled and then be readily placed back in position once removed. Moreover, for purpose of restoring or replenishing the contents of a storage tray, the open area of the tray is reachable from the front and be partially lifted or moved upwardly for working the contents of the tray. 

1: A storage unit for holding open storage bins having laterally disposed turned down edges comprising: (a) an upright base member having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upright base member having a plurality of open storage spaces to receive an open storage bin, and wherein each said storage space has first and second opposing lateral walls; (b) a first runner track member affixed on said first opposing lateral wall adapted to slideably hold one laterally turned down edge of said open container member; (c) a second runner track member affixed on said second opposing lateral wall and adapted to slideably hold the second laterally turned down edge of said open container members, and wherein said second runner track member is parallel to said first runner track member. 2: A storage unit for holding open a storage bins having laterally turned down edges comprising; (a) an upright member having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upright member having a plurality of open storage spaces to receive an open storage bin, and wherein each said storage space has first and second opposing lateral walls; (b) a first runner track member affixed on said first opposing lateral wall adapted to slideably hold one laterally turned down edge of said open container member, said first runner track member being declined; (c) a second runner track member affixed on said second opposing lateral wall and adapted slideably hold the second laterally turned down edge of said open container members, and wherein said second runner track member is parallel to said first runner track member, said second runner track member being declined downwardly. 3: A storage unit for holding storage bins. (a) an upright member having an upper planar surface, said upper planar surface having linear extending end edges on opposing sides of said upper planar surface, with said end edges extending upwardly above the surface of said upper planar surface; (b) a plurality of intersecting linear extending ridge members integrally disposed over the upper surface of said upper planar surfaces to form a cutting patter matrix. 